Fire Ants

Fire Ants get their
name from the venom injected by a stinger that leaves a burning
sensation followed by tiny, itching bites. They are aggressive ants
that swarm over anything that disturbs their nests, which can be an
unpleasant surprise if accidently stumbled upon. They can cause
damages to crops, building structures and electrical equipment
which makes these pests an even bigger problem.

The most common fire ant species seen in Northeast Georgia are
the southern fire ant, the tropical fire ant and the red imported
fire ant. Learn more about our fire ant treatment method to become better
acquainted to APC's procedures.

Southern Fire Ant

The southern fire Ant, Solenopsis xyloni, is a native species of
the United States which occurs from North Carolina south to
northern Florida, along the GulfCoast and west to California. The
head and thorax of a southern fire ant are yellowish-red and its
abdomen is black in color. Southern Fire Ant colonies may be
constructed as mounds or more commonly found under stones, boards,
and other objects used as shelter. These ants also nest in wood or
the masonry of houses, especially around heat sources such as
fireplaces. Colonies usually are made of loose soil with craters
that are about 2 to square feet in size. Southern fire ants swarm
in late spring and summer.

Tropical Fire Ant

The tropical fire ant, Solenopsis geminate,is a
native species of the United States that is also found in the
Southeast from North Carolina to Texas. The tropical fire ant is
very similar to the southern fire ant and usually nests in
mounds constructed around clumps of vegetation, but may also nest
under objects or in rotting wood.

Red Imported Fire Ants

The red imported fire ant (RIFA), Solenopsis invicta, was
introduced from South America in the 1930s by shipping transport.
RIFA build their colonies in cleared lands that have access to
direct sunlight. They build mounds that are, on average, 10"-24" in
diameter and 18" high. RIFA respond to disturbances of their
mounds, like other fire ants, and can reproduce and spread quickly
in an area.